Toddler and 'Best Friend' Golden Retriever Reunite—the Joy Is Infectious

Newsweek

13-06-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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An adorable reunion between a toddler and his furry best friend has melted hearts online, gaining over 412,000 views on Instagram.
Mom Dev Erlich, 31, from New Jersey, shared the moment her 4-year-old golden retriever Skylar and her 2-year-old son Shalom saw each other again after a day apart.
The video, recorded on a Friday afternoon, shows the pair eagerly greeting each other through a glass door as Shalom returned home from daycare.
"It was a Friday afternoon after daycare—they generally are excited to see each other when my son gets home from school," Erlich told Newsweek. "However, I don't know what it was about that day but they were extra excited and my son just kept saying 'Skylar, Skylar!' I thought it was hilarious and took out my phone to video it as fast as I could."
In the clip, Shalom's face lights up as he runs through the door, calling out Skylar's name, while the golden retriever jumps up in excitement.
The text overlay said: "Besties reunited," while the caption added: "Nothing beats coming home to your best friend."
This isn't the first time a toddler and dog reunion has melted hearts online, in 2022 another dog was delighted to see his young friend when she returned home from daycare.
Skylar and Shalom are reunited after being apart all day.
Skylar and Shalom are reunited after being apart all day.
@skylars.the.limit/Instagram
Are Dogs Good for Children's Development?
In fact, there is evidence that children who grow up with dogs or cats actually have stronger happiness, quality of life, and overall wellbeing than those who don't.
A 2023 study by Hawkins et al. found that children with strong, positive bonds to their dogs reported higher wellbeing, happiness, quality of life, greater social satisfaction, and lower loneliness.
While a 2019 paper concluded that pet ownership, particularly of dogs and cats, is associated with greater self-esteem, less loneliness, and enhanced social skills in children and adolescents.
The video of the moment between Skylar and Shalom delighted the internet, prompting plenty of comments from Instagram users.
"I can't. Both of them are so excited to see each other!" wrote @daisythegoldiee. While viewer @sundaythegoldenretriever said: "So much happiness."
Erlich shares plenty of content on her social media featuring Skylar the dog and her son, from sharing treats to napping together and heading out on adventures.
"My audience loves watching the bond between Skylar and Shalom," Erlich said. "I knew they would love seeing this sweet moment. The reaction has been great—we've gotten so much positive feedback."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [e-mail] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.